AdoptUSKids For Workers

Indiana Foster Care and Adoption Guidelines

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you. We want to answer any questions or respond to any concerns that you may have as you navigate the preparation process.

Email: snap@childrensbureau.org
Phone: 888-25-ADOPT (888-252-3678)

 

Things You Should Know

 

Foster and Adoption Licensing Requirements

 

Foster Parent Requirements:

  • Complete licensing packet issued by your county of residence
  • Complete 10 hours of training
  • Do criminal background checks and CPS checks as required by the state of Indiana
  • Complete homestudy process with the county or agency that is working with you

Adoptive Parent Requirements:

  • Complete application packet issued by the county or agency with whom you are working
  • Complete 16 hours of training, do criminal background checks and CPS checks as required by the state of Indiana
  • Complete homestudy process with the county or agency that is working with you
     
 

Foster and Adoption Costs

 

In some cases, you may be required to pay for your criminal background checks and CPR/First Aid classes if you choose to do them on your own, outside of the training process.

In some counties, you may be required to pay for your homestudy at first and will later be reimbursed for it. Please contact us about this at snap@childrensbureau.org or at 888-25-ADOPT (888-252-3678).

 

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

 

Indiana has 92 counties and each county has different resources available. Since there is so much information regarding the preparation process, we would like to start out by talking to you on the phone or emailing you - whichever you prefer. Please contact us about this at snap@childrensbureau.org or at 888-25-ADOPT (888-252-3678).

 

Parent Support Groups

 

Support groups vary across the State and change frequently. For information regarding a support group near you, please contact a special needs adoption specialist (SNAP) in your area. Use this area specialist locator map or call 888-25-ADOPT to speak with a specialist.

 

Information on Indiana's Waiting Children

 

There are approximately 9,294 children in foster care in Indiana, and many of them are waiting for adoptive families.

 

Upcoming Events

 

The resources below have information on upcoming events, including conferences, adoption fairs, and Heart Gallery events.

Get Social

Find out about our array of free services for families and child welfare professionals.
Register with AdoptUSKids to search our database of families who are home studied and approved to adopt
Join the conversation in AdoptUSKids online communities to connect and share with families and child welfare professionals.
Read our news and announcements to learn what is new in the field of adoption and foster care.
Use our free resources to strengthen your efforts to recruit foster and adoptive families, facilitate interjurisdictional placements, and enhance your agency’s ability to provide good customer service.